The largest survey of Scottish young people has revealed a remarkable snapshot of the nation's views.

Nearly 3000 young Scots were questioned on a whole range of issues for Youthlink, the national youth work agency, primarily in a bid to inform policy-makers.

More than one-half believe they enjoy a healthy lifestyle but many are unhappy with their figures.

Most are prouder of their country than ever before but fully one-third would leave if they could. The vast majority are upbeat about their nation and their future but worried, increasingly, about immigration, crime and the environment.

Pollsters MRUK found attitudes among the young mirrored major changes in society. And nowhere more than in their views on nationhood and immigration.

Jim Sweeney, Youthlink's chief executive, said: "Over the past two years we have seen a phenomenally large rise in immigration, particularly economic migration through the European Union.

"What was interesting was that young people are noticing it."

Children and young adults in the latest survey are far less accepting of immigration than just two years ago.

Fully 60% of 17-25-year-olds believe there are too many immigrants in Scotland, more than double the share that held the same view two years ago.

Even a substantial minority schoolchildren, most of whom believe more should be done to help foreigners settle in the country, believe there are too many immigrants.

Mr Sweeney said: "Now that we have the figures we need to dig deeper and get a clearer understanding of why young people feel this way."

Scots youngsters may not have too much sympathy for immigrations - but many are keen to live abroad themselves. Eighteen per cent of 11-16-year-olds and 33% of 17-25-year-olds would quit Scotland if they had the chance.

Yet fully 70% of school-age youngsters said they were proud to be Scottish. The figure was even higher for 17-25-year-olds, at 73%, up 17 points from the last time the question was asked, in 2005.

Yet there remains a substantial minority of young Scots who would quit their homeland if they could.

Young people may be worried by immigration, but they are equally wary of adults.

Few young people trust grown-ups, other than their own parents. Only a third of school pupils trust their parents. Only a third of young adults trust and respect doctors.

Indeed, the trustworthiness of key professions has plunged in young eyes, including teachers, police officers, lawyers and the clergy. Just 3% of young people trust politicians. The figure falls to 2% for the press.

Kathleen Marshall, Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People, said the findings mirrored growing wariness among adults about working with children or young people.

She said: "Contact with young people today is seen as both dangerous and consequence-ridden."